Ejaz Ahmad, Ashfaq Ahmed, Saeed Ahmad, Rizwan Akram, Shahzad Javed, Amer Aziz.
Neurological outcome after anterior decompression and stabilization with cage in thoracolumbar caries spine.
Pak J Surg Jan ;32(4):229-33.

Background: Tuberculous spondylitis being endemic in developing countries including Pakistan has considerable socio-economic and orthopaedic concern. In spite of all the advances regarding diagnosis, treatment and total control of many diseases, this slow but grave disease still aff ects considerable number of cases and makes them disabled and even paralyzed. The objective of the study was to determine the neurological outcome in terms of Frankel Scale after anterior decompression and stabilization with titanium mesh cage in thoracolumbar caries spine. Methodology: The case series (descriptive) study was conducted in Orthopaedic ward of Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital/Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore from 1st Jan. 2015 to 31st Dec. to 2015. In this randomized controlled trial of 150 patients who were admitt ed either through OPD or through emergency. Data was collected by using non-probability consective sampling technique. Patient was prepared for surgery. A locally made fixed interbody Titanium Mesh Cage, with packed bone graft , was placed. A Boston brace was applied for at least 6 months to provide external support to spine. The neurological outcome was assessed in terms of Frankel Scale post-operatively at the end of one month, 6 months and 12 months. Results: In our study, out of 150 cases, 42% (n=63) were between 15-30 years of age while 58% (n=87) were between 31-60 years of age, mean+sd was calculated as 32.85±8.35 years, 45.33% (n=68) were male and 54.67% (n=82) were females. Frequency of neurological outcome regarding improvement was recorded as 52% (n=78). Conclusion: We concluded that the neurological outcome in terms of Frankel Scale after anterior decompression and stabilization with titanium mesh cage in thoracolumbar caries spine is good and this technique may be used in future in our population.

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